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Search the archive, three years of Inklings.
Ask the Artist
Our Artist in Residence, Dina Kowal, answers your questions
November 9, 2022
Q: Kelli asks: "I have a box of acrylic blocks that I don't use any more. What else can I do with them?"
A: Me too! I have a few larger blocks on my desk - I use them as weights when I need to keep something flat while it's drying. They also make great palettes for ink.
Here are a few tutorials in our archives that feature an acrylic block:
Stamped Acrylic Block Background (block used for monoprinting)
Monoprinting (see video)
Watercolor Imprints (block used as a weight)
Shaving Cream Sparkle (block used as an applicator tool)
Here are a few tutorials in our archives that feature an acrylic block:
Stamped Acrylic Block Background (block used for monoprinting)
Monoprinting (see video)
Watercolor Imprints (block used as a weight)
Shaving Cream Sparkle (block used as an applicator tool)
November 2, 2022
Q: maisyrae asks: "I just bought 2 unmounted red rubber stamps. What do I use as backing for them to use on the clear blocks?"
A: EZ Mount Static Cling Mounting Foam works really well for me - it holds well on a block or stamp positioner without being sticky. You can purchase it in 8-1/2" x 11" sheets, and there are 2 different thicknesses depending on your storage needs (1/16" and 1/8"). If you don't have any of the cling foam on hand, you can use a repositionable tape or tape runner to keep the stamps on your block temporarily. Through the years there have been other DIY mounting systems, including thin sheet vinyl and Velcro!
October 26, 2022
Q: Dee asks: "I was gifted a lot of stamping supplies. There are lots of little jars of things and I can't tell if they are fine glitter or embossing powder. Is there a way to tell the difference?"
A: I think I'd run some double sided adhesive or a tape runner across a piece of scrap cardstock and pour a small swatch from each bottle. Knock off the excess and press the powders into the adhesive, then try heating each swatch with a heat gun. The embossing powders will melt, and the glitters will hopefully stay in place on the adhesive and not blow all over!
October 19, 2022
Q: Jo wants to know: "Question about cardstock. Which weight do you use for what?"
A: I typically use 100# or 110# cover stock for card bases. For layering and die cutting, 80# cover stock is my preference. I use 140# watercolor paper when I paint panels for cards.
October 12, 2022
Q: sbd wants to know: "What paper companies make card stock with color on one side and white on the other?"
A: If you google "duplex cardstock" you will find several sources. There are some really nice heavy-weight options, too. Duplex cardstock is really great for cardmaking!
